# Urban sanitation and hygiene in West Africa

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/urban-sanitation-and-hygiene-in-west-africa
> Updated: 2026-10-27T17:47:26.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

In late October 2026, sanitation efforts and public health concerns emerged in N’Djamena and Ouagadougou.

In N’Djamena, Chad, local hygiene departments and community groups, including scouts and neighborhood forums, intensified cleaning operations at schools and cemeteries to prepare for a ‘Zero Waste’ initiative. Similarly, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, traders at the Rood Woko market conducted a sanitation drive to clear walkways and prevent stall encroachment to improve emergency access.

However, Ouagadougou also faces ongoing public health challenges regarding waste management and hygiene. Health officials have raised concerns over the improper disposal of used sanitary pads, which can act as infectious biomedical waste in gutters and landfills. Additionally, the local market for second-hand underwear, referred to as ‘yougou-yougou’, continues to spark debate regarding intimate hygiene and sanitary risks.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: Ouagadougou faces hygiene and environmental challenges

Ouagadougou faces growing public health and environmental risks due to improper disposal of sanitary pads and the widespread use of second-hand underwear in local markets.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ouagadougou-faces-hygiene-and-environmental-challenges

### 2026-10-25: Community sanitation initiatives launched in N’Djamena and Ouagadougou

Community-led sanitation and organization efforts are underway in N’Djamena, Chad, and the Rood Woko market in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, to improve public hygiene and safety.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/community-sanitation-initiatives-launched-in-ndjamena-and-ouagadougou

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Cite as: Urban sanitation and hygiene in West Africa. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/urban-sanitation-and-hygiene-in-west-africa